Your nanny cares for your kids and keeps your life running smoothly all year long. Come December, it's important to say thank you for those efforts by giving a holiday bonus.

According to a poll of almost 600 Care.com members, 60 percent of families give their nannies a holiday bonus. But many don't know how much to give. And 31% percent of families only give a present, while 9% give nothing at all!

With this in mind, Care.com put together a map of the average nanny bonuses in each state. Click on your state to see what you should be giving. Then continue reading below for answers to some of the most frequently asked questions about nanny bonuses.

Why Should You Give Your Nanny a Holiday Bonus? You may feel a bonus isn’t necessary because you pay your nanny well and show your appreciation in other ways. However, a holiday bonus is customary. Many people count on it as part of their income.

Jennifer Kuhn, executive editor at Nanny Magazine and a former nanny, says, "Although I believe that no nanny should ever expect a bonus, a holiday bonus can go a long way toward letting a nanny know her nanny family appreciates the work she does."

Kuhn notes that “a nanny may feel unimportant or undervalued if she receives no holiday bonus, while every other nanny on the block does." And if your nanny feels like she's being short-changed, she may start looking for a new job in the new year.

"My wife and I have always paid our nannies a holiday bonus," shares Graeme Gibson, a Seattle father. “There are a number of reasons why, but the main one is that we want her to feel appreciated."

When Would You Not Give Your Nanny a Bonus? Bonuses are an extra thank you for a job well done. Don't give your nanny a bonus if you're about to let her go for poor performance or because things aren’t working out. Doing so will lead her to believe you're pleased with her work and give her a false sense of job security.

How Much Should You Give Your Nanny as a Bonus? Most nannies receive between one and two week's pay as a bonus. Check out the infographic at the top of this page to learn the average bonuses in each state, based on a 40-hour work week. Aim for something in that range.

If you live in a major city, the bonus might be more; if you're in a rural area, it might be less. Kuhn suggests you do a little research and ask what other parents are giving their nannies.

The size of the bonus also depends on your family's financial status. Some working parents can only afford a half-week's pay, while others may give their nanny two weeks' or more.

Just make sure it's consistent. If your longtime nanny has grown accustomed to receiving a certain bonus, it could cause confusion and even resentment if you cut corners this year.

What if You Can't Afford a Bonus This Year? Unexpected expenses may leave you with a tight holiday budget. Kuhn recommends that you factor a bonus into your budget when you first hire your nanny. If you find yourself unable to afford the usual holiday bonus, explain this to your nanny. She’ll probably understand. Maybe rather than giving her one lump sum, break it down into smaller more manageable amounts over a period of time.

Can I Give a Bonus Another Time of the Year? Some families give nannies their bonuses during their annual review. This is certainly allowed -- as long as your nanny is aware of the timing.

Do I Have to Pay Taxes on the Bonus? You typically don't think of taxes while you're handing out presents, but your nanny's bonus (whether you present it during holidays or a performance review), is considered taxable income and you need to pay taxes on it -- along with the rest of her income. Because you're an employer, the bonus doesn't qualify as a "gift". Learn more about paying nanny taxes.

Is a Gift Acceptable? While a holiday gift is always nice, a monetary bonus is traditional. Your nanny is a professional and deserves to be treated like one. Many employees receive end of the year bonuses and so should nannies.

If your nanny is used to receiving a cash bonus, switching to a gift could be taken as a sign of dissatisfaction. But for a new nanny who has spent little time with your family, a thoughtful gift is appropriate.

Oh come on, first off the Nannie is doing the most important job for you, and most of us don't get any benefits or perks. I think it should be standard to give at least 100 or yes a full weeks pay if you can swing it, she knows from the items you possess and style of life what you can manage. If you keep her happy, and appreciate it goes a long way. I say yes to Christmas Bonus!

January 7, 2015 at 8:00 PM

Maria N.

Maria N.

I typically give my nanny a bonus but this year my nanny is new and has been with us for about 3 months. Do you still give a yearly bonus in this case? Or is a smaller amount more appropriate? I ask because at any other job a new employee would not get a bonus at all. In this case I am happy with her so I would like to give her something but but I don't feel that a full bonus makes sense. Can someone advise?

December 23, 2014 at 9:31 AM

Kristine F.

Kristine F.

We had planned on giving her a bonus, but my nanny just put in her two week notice. Should we still give it to her?

December 22, 2014 at 6:12 PM

Ann D.

Ann D.

After reading this interesting article and then the comments posted it is a bit disheartening to me.It appears that the parents who have posted feel that they are doing the Nanny a favor by just paying her. First off, I don't know anyone in a corporate position Cindy that does not get a holiday bonus. And to Amanda who feels that Nannies are fillng out the surveys to guilt parents into providing a bigger bonus because no one she knows gives more than 100.00.This is a Wake Up call, what should be the most valued part of your life, your children, are in our care and if you feel we are not worth it then why are we caring for your children?Personally if I had to "Guilt" someone into giving me a gift of appreciation, I don't want it or need it badly enough to compromise myself. So shame on anyone who allows someone who would even think that way to care for their children. I never want the "obligatory" gift that you are giving, I prefer things coming from the heart.

December 6, 2014 at 11:56 PM

Andrea P.

Andrea P.

I'm very blessed!! I've been a nanny for the last 14 years. I've alway received cash $$$$$ and gifts

December 3, 2014 at 8:08 PM

Heidi M.

Heidi M.

I always buy the children I nanny for a present..I don't expect any sort of bonus I am just grateful to be employed!

November 28, 2014 at 4:12 PM

Jessica S.

Jessica S.

I give a Christmas bonus of base wage x 40 hours. I currently pay my nanny $16 base to watch my two girls. (Time and a half for all hours over 40 worked.) Christmas bonus this year will be $640 before taxes. My nanny is a critical part of my family and I want her to feel respected and really love her job. The #1 motivator is pay -- no matter how much she "loves kids." We want her around for years to come. I hired her and want to keep her until my babies reach school. I am also expecting our third child, and I want her to know that her job is secure and we will compensate her well for the work.

November 25, 2014 at 5:13 PM

Elisabeta V.

Elisabeta V.

Hi my name is Liz I work as nanny for 10 year the family I work for give me a $ 2000 bonus and. iPad for my birthday I love the kids and I love the family and I'm not tired to do thinks around the hause because they are so good to me I fill I'm in my own family and I love the bous

April 1, 2014 at 2:36 PM

Cindy

Cindy

A bonus is for going above and beyond, and, no, these days, most professionals do not get bonuses. Also, why on earth would I spend more at Christmas on my nanny than I do on my child or any other relative. Get real. Good pay, paid holidays, paid vacation, vacations where she doesn't pay a dime of expense and doesn't work any more than normal hours is much more than fair. I know no one who tips like this and when I was babysitting I never got a "tip".

February 2, 2014 at 9:55 PM

Christy K.

Christy K.

I have been a nanny for over twenty years. Of all the families I have worked with only one gave a holiday bonus. This was always one week's salary in addition to gifts from the children. One year they even added a gift certificate for Glamour Shots. While a gift certificate is nice it should be centered around something the nanny enjoys. A spa gift card might be nice for one nanny while another might prefer one for a favorite store or better yet how about a Visa gift card? It can go a long way to show her that she really does matter to your family and that you care. After all, she is taking care of the most precious people in your lives. Let her know you feel she is doing a good job!

December 10, 2013 at 6:02 AM

Anna

Anna

I have received bonuses from families throughout the ten years I've worked as a nanny. They have ranged between $100 in cash or a cash gift card like Visa for example to a small gift. Others have given $1,000 bonus plus thoughtful gifts such as a cook book, since I love to cook and a designer handbag. Most recently, I've been given spa gift cards. As much as I love a day at the spa, I personally would rather have a cash bonus so I could decide where to spend the extra money. As a professional, I wouldn't, as one member suggested above, give false information on my experience in hopes of getting a higher cash bonus. This information is true and accurate! :) The Golden Rule goes a long way- treat your nanny the way you'd like her to treat your family! Happy Holidays everyone!

December 4, 2013 at 2:01 PM

Heather B.

Heather B.

What if you have only had the nanny for a little over 4 months? Would you still need to give a whole week?

December 3, 2013 at 5:17 PM

Jennifer S.

Jennifer S.

My children goes to a daycare facility. While I appreciate the different perspectives that they get from having different people watching them everyday, I struggle with what to give at the holidays. What type of gift would be appropriate for the workers.

December 3, 2013 at 12:25 PM

Amanda

Amanda

I see references to a weeks pay all the time online, for both nannies and home daycare providers. But no one I know comes even close to that. We do $100 cash, and it has been completely unexpected to both our former daycare and our current nanny.

I'm starting to suspect nannies fill out these surveys in hopes of guilting their families into hefty bonuses.

November 26, 2013 at 12:04 PM

Care.com Member Care

Care.com Member Care

Hi Lisa! What a great question! Check out these articles for tips on giving gifts to the kids you care for, and to their parents/your employers:http://www.care.com/child-care-do-you-give-kids-presents-p1017-q35813341.html

I personally think its totally appropriate to gift to the little ones in your care, Lisa. The parents will appreciate it too because it shows that you think of them; it doesn't have to be anything expensive, but I always buy something thoughtful that I know the child will love (books are always great!!!) :)

November 24, 2013 at 8:49 PM

Lisa K.

Lisa K.

On the flip side, is it appropriate to buy the child/children that you care for, a gift?

November 24, 2013 at 7:07 AM

Kristi G.

Kristi G.

Thanks for the insight. I never even thought of a bonus. I have been a Nanny for 19 years, and have never received a monetary bonus. One of my former employers used to give me an all expenses paid weeks vacation as a perk, to various locations. I am in the metro Atlanta area and it is nice to know that employers should add a bonus at the holidays.Thanks care.comkristi

November 20, 2013 at 5:04 PM

Amy

Amy

Thanks guys! Love this. I didn't know I had to give my nanny a bonus. Never even thought of it.

November 20, 2013 at 1:09 PM

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